This page may contain one or more affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through that link, I may receive compensation. The links will be identified with the text "affiliate link". Click to learn more.
Man, and I thought I hated kids.
Daredevil apparently throws a little girl down an elevator shaft in issue 209 of his comic book series. Why the sadistic plot? In actuality, an army of exploding robots disguised as little girls are programmed to seek him out and kill him. They know his secret identity and wait for him wherever he goes.
Now having to deal with the public explosions and protecting his identity, Matt Murdock finds himself in a tough spot. He runs into an old childhood friend who is in trouble. The subplot concludes the story well by having his old friend sacrifice his life to save Matt’s. It is a great story, but there is one thing that is hard to forget: Daredevil throws a girl down an elevator shaft.
If you can get past this (even though I can’t) then you will see that there is a lot more to enjoy in Daredevil 209. I have rarely read any issues of this series in the past, and thus was unaware of penciler David Mazzucchelli or inker Danny Bulanadi. Their work combined is extremely impressive, and it is a hard thing not to notice. Such a talented team should have been better known, and I am embarrassed never to have heard of them.
Putting that aside for a moment and returning to the story line, the robot girls appear in swarms while wearing a winter coat, mittens and cap. The story is reminiscent of Children of the Corn. It is a wonder how the writer was able to work any sort of humor into this dark plot.
Daredevil 209 has grabbed my attention in more ways than one. Never before had I been interested in this character (except for when the Punisher was shooting him) and the combination of simplicity and action makes the series appealing. If you were smart, then you would check out Daredevil pronto.
Robot Trope
The use of robots disguised as humans is a fascinating and often chilling trope in comic books and science fiction. This device allows writers to explore deep themes such as identity, deception, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. In the case of Daredevil, the robots programmed to kill him add a layer of complexity to the storyline, as he must navigate not only physical threats but also moral dilemmas.
In Daredevil issue 209, Matt Murdock encounters these robot adversaries in various settings, including rooftops and the Sterling Mansion in New York City. These robots, often indistinguishable from real humans, challenge Daredevil’s perception of reality and force him to question his actions and decisions. The presence of such advanced technology in the narrative also highlights the ever-evolving relationship between humans and machines, raising questions about the future of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society.
These robot drones, disguised as little girls, are part of a booby-trapped plot orchestrated by characters like Death-Stalker and Ms. Sterling. The robots’ ability to blend in seamlessly with humans makes them formidable opponents, pushing Daredevil to use his Billy Club and strategic thinking to overcome them. The Sterling Estate becomes a battleground where Daredevil must outwit these mechanical foes while dealing with gang activity and explosions.
In Daredevil’s world, these robot adversaries serve as a metaphor for the hidden dangers and unexpected challenges that heroes face. They also provide an opportunity for the character to demonstrate his resourcefulness, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to justice, even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable odds. The involvement of supporting characters like Foggy Nelson, Debbie Harris, and Johnny Squarejohn adds depth to the storyline, showcasing the interconnectedness of Daredevil’s personal and professional life.
This plot device not only adds suspense and excitement to the story but also encourages readers to reflect on the broader implications of technology and its role in shaping our lives. It’s a powerful reminder that in the world of comics, as in real life, things are not always what they seem. The creative team behind this issue, including David Mazzucchelli, Harlan Ellison, Arthur Byron Cover, Danny Bulanadi, Christie Scheele, and Joe Rosen, masterfully weaves these elements together to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.